Page 16 of Hold Me Tight

And from everything I found, a well-known playboy.

For some reason, he’s considering adding my desserts to his menu.

He smiles at the group before his gaze zeros in on me. “Callie Westbrook?”

Looks like I’m not the only one who did their homework.

When I don’t immediately respond, Rina elbows my side.

Hard.

I pop to my feet like a Jack-in-the-Box, and wipe my hands nervously on my apron before closing the distance between us. “Yes. Hello. That’s me.”

His gaze burns into mine. “Would you have a few minutes to talk?”

Rina grabs Lilah’s hand. “She sure does. We were just about to leave.” She winks behind his back as they slip out the front entrance of the bakery.

My attention lands on Lilah as she walks by the glass and mouths, “Text us everything.”

Sloane jerks her thumb toward the back. “I need to take care of something in the kitchen.” Then she disappears around the counter and through the swinging door, leaving us alone. I swallow a groan and try not to fidget as he steps closer before extending his hand.

I take it automatically. His grip is warm and confident.

“I have to admit to being impressed at the Railers event a few weeks ago,” he says smoothly. “Everything was amazing. I’d love to sit down and discuss the possibility of carrying some of your desserts in my restaurants.”

When he continues holding on to my hand, I carefully tug it free and then take a small step in retreat. “I’d love that. Did you have a specific date in mind?”

Before he can respond, the door opens again, and a jolt of awareness shoots through me as River strides inside. His blond hair is still damp from the shower, the ends curling against his neck. His blue eyes are sharp and searching as they land on me. The pull between us is instantaneous.

More than that, it’s infuriating.

The second River spots Beau, his eyes narrow before slicing to me again, as if assessing the situation. The intensity of his gaze makes my skin prickle. It’s tempting to put more space between Beau and myself, but I refuse to do that.

River’s jaw tightens as his shoulders turn rigid. A muscle tics in his cheek before he forces himself to relax, his expression settling into something that looks casual. But I know better.

“Hey,” River says. He steps closer, hands loose at his sides. “Am I interrupting?”

“Actually,” Beau replies easily, like he doesn’t notice or care about the strange current that runs between us, “you were. Callie and I were just discussing getting together for dinner this Thursday evening.” There’s a beat of silence before Beau tacks on, “To discuss a potential partnership.”

Dinner tomorrow?

“Oh. That’s kind of short notice.” My voice wavers even as I make a concerted effort to steady it. “I’ll have to let you know. I need to find a sitter first. My parents usually watch my daughter during the day?—”

“I’ll do it,” River cuts in.

My eyes widen as they slice to his. “I’m sorry?”

Even though he swallows up some of the distance between us, he doesn’t crowd my personal space. That doesn’t mean he’s not close enough for the heat of his body to wrap around me like a second skin, cocooning me in comfort.

“I’ll stay with Nora during your meeting.”

Stunned by the offer, I shake my head. The thought of him babysitting my daughter sends my whole world into a tailspin. “I don’t think that’s?—”

“You know you can trust me with her, right? I would never let anything happen to Nora,” he says quietly, as if it’s meant for my ears alone.

The seriousness in his eyes has my throat tightening. Somehow, I do know that.

“Yes.”